Grape variety and grafted vine plant Aligoté: all the secrets

Aligoté

Originally from Burgundy, this vine variety was officially registered at the end of the 18th century. Widely present in Eastern Europe, it is the second most grown vine variety in Russia.

Ampelographic characters:

the plant is characterized by young green leaves with bronze-colored spots and shoots with red internodes. Its fully developed leaves are not divided. The petiolar sinus is slightly open, and U- or V-shaped. Its veins are markedly colored by anthocyanins. The leaves are rounded (curled down) and the underside has erect and prostrate hairs of sparse density. The berry is small, roundish and irregularly in sized. The cluster is small, with a conical-cylindrical shape.

Cultural aptitude:

vigorous variety that adapts well to the climate conditions of wine-growing regions of Northern and Eastern Europe. Due to its early budburst period, this cultivar is susceptible to late frosts.

Training system and pruning:

it adapts to different training and pruning systems, preferring the long Guyot.

Ripening period:

early.

Yield:

variable depending on soil and climate conditions, but generally limited.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

fairly resistant to powdery mildew but susceptible to downy mildew and botrytis cinerea. Susceptible to frequent coulure.

Enological potential:

it gives fresh wines, not quite suitable for aging. Depending on vintage, production and soil, the wines are more or less typical and aromatic. Dry white wine with a pleasant citrusy flavor, best to be consumed young. Characterized by high acidity.